Micromobility management is a key issue for achieving enhanced mobile Internet services. Many micromobility management schemes supporting fast handover, e.g., Hierarchical Mobile IPv6 (HMIPv6), have been proposed to minimize the packet loss during handover and the handover latency. We have previously proposed a multilevel hierarchical mobility management scheme that enhances HMIPv6 mobility management. Our scheme manages the micromobility of a mobile terminal (MT) using a mobility management router (the mobility anchor point, or MAP), with a management domain matched to the MT's mobility. This usage of MAP aims to efficiently decentralize the load of mobility management. In our previous work, we have confirmed the effectiveness of our scheme in a network having a simple tree-based hierarchy. The actual networks, however, have some local variation and/or some redundancy in structure. In such a complicated structured network, the MAP domains intricately overlap each other. This causes difficulty in selecting the MAP suitable for managing the MT mobility because the suitable MAP for an MT changes according to the complicated local conditions. This paper proposes a method to allow an MT to select the suitable MAP for the MT in such a network by adjusting the selection criteria individually configured for use at a particular place. Finally, the performance of our scheme is evaluated using simulation experiments. The simulation results show that our scheme works well in complicated structured networks by using the proposed additional method.


This study presents a simulation approach to assess the viability of solar assisted ground source heat pump system in different regions of China. A short time step model of ground loop exchanger is employed in the simulation with a 30% solar fraction. Weather data files used in the simulation are created based on Chinese Typical Year Weather (CTYW) data. Borehole length is optimized with a safety stop temperature of 0°C. The minimum Entering Fluid Temperature (EFT) decreases 1.3°C after 20-year simulation time and the team effect of ground loop exchangers is weaken as a result of spontaneous recovery of storage temperature. Borehole length replaced by area of solar collector ranges from 3.9m to 2.5m in the six cities. The results show that the annual performance of ground loop exchanger is low in heating-dominated regions and a solar assisted ground source heat pump (SAGSHP) system is needed in order to improve the system performance.


Division property proposed by Todo at EUROCRYPT 2015 is a generalized integral property. Then, conventional bit-based division property (CBDP) and bitbased division property using three subsets (BDPT) were proposed by Todo and Morii at FSE 2016. At ASIACRYPT 2016, Xiang et al. extended Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) method to search integral distinguishers based on CBDP. And at ASIACRYPT 2019, Wang et al. proposed an MILP-aided method of searching integral distinguishers based on BDPT. Although BDPT is powerful in searching integral distinguishers, the accuracy is not perfect.For block cipher SPECK32, as the block size is only 32 bits, we can experimentally observe the behaviors of all the plaintexts under a fixed key. By testing 210 random secret keys, we experimentally find a better integral distinguisher of 6-round SPECK32 with 30 active bits. But this experimental integral distinguisher cannot be proved by existing methods. So there still exists a gap between the proved distinguisher and the experimental one.To fill the gap, we explore secret keys in searching integral distinguishers based on BDPT. We put forward a situation where "Xor with The Secret Key" operation can be bypassed. Based on the new BDPT propagation rule, an improved automatic algorithm of searching integral distinguishers is proposed. For SPECK32, our improved algorithm can find the 6-round integral distinguisher with 230 chosen plaintexts. The gap between the proved distinguisher and the experimental one is filled. Moreover, we apply this improved method to search the integral distinguishers of SPECK, KATAN/KTANTAN, SIMON, SIMECK, SIMON(102), PRESENT and RECTANGLE block ciphers. The integral distinguishers found by our improved method are better than or consistent with the previous longest distinguishers.


This paper shows that the disproportionate impact of tight monetary policy on banks' ability to lend is largely the consequence of Federal Reserve actions aimed at reducing bank loans directly, rather than an inherent feature of the monetary transmission mechanism. We provide two types of evidence for this conclusion. First, a detailed examination of nine postwar episodes of contractionary monetary policy shows that while short-term interest rates always rose in response to tight policy, banks typically found ways of maintaining lending despite the falls in reserves. Banks' ability to lend was particularly affected by tight policy only when the Federal Reserve undertook actions, such as special reserve requirements, moral suasion, or explicit credit controls, to restrain bank lending directly. Second, simple regressions show that Federal Reserve credit actions have large and significant effects on the composition of external finance between bank loans and commercial paper and on the spread between the prime bank loan rate and the commercial paper rate, and that a bank credit channel of monetary transmission is not needed to explain the movements in these variables in response to tight policy.


The resultative construction represents a condition or state expressed by a state verb. In addition to using a state verb predicate, the resultative construction can also be expressed by the category of adjectives or other word categories experiencing morphological process. Universally, the resultative construction refers to the state embodied by state verbs or verbalizations and process that reflect a result. Thus, the resultative construction is a resultant  construction. The resultative construction shows similarities with the stative construction. However, resultative construction principally differs from stative construction. The resultative construction reveals a condition with no implications whatsoever with regard to the conditions while the stative construction reveals both the condition and the actions that precede it (Nedjalkov dan Jaxontov, 1998: 6). Mathews (1997: 320) states that the resultative construction is the elements in the clause that refer to the result of the action. In other words, the resultative construction is a construction that describes the attainment of a condition experienced by the noun phrase due to the action expressed by the verb predator (Broccias, 2008 :28). The resultative construction in agglutinative languages is expressed through morphological processes. Lamalera dialect (henceforth: LD) is not an agglutinative language (dialect). Thus, LD does not have any morphological strategy to reveal the resultative construction. Language data analysis proves that the resultative and stative constructions in LD are disclosed using a syntactical strategy.


Accepted: 9 Aug 2016 Abstract Introduction: A common polymorphism 4G/5G in the promoter region of the Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene has been reported to influence the expression levels of PAI-1. According to the evidence, progression of breast cancer can be associated with elevated levels of PAI-1, it seems that evaluation of a possible correlation between the polymorphism and clinical status of breast cancer patients is reasonable. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study included 160 unrelated patients from North West of Iran. According to established clinical criteria, these paitients were diagnosed with breast cancer. Based on previous study, PAI-1 4G/5G had been determined. In order to investigate the association of this polymorphism with clinicopathological features Fisher's exact tests and SPSS software was used with a significance level of 0.05. Results: All declared features of breast cancer regarding PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism were investigated. Results indicated that PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism positive correlation with several traditional prognostic factors, including tumor size, lymph node metastases and tumor stage. Conclusion: Data showed that the patients with 5G/5G genotype are more susceptible to the development of breast cancer, while the paitients with 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes show lower sensitivity to the breast cancer. Therefore, the 4G allele likely has a protective role against the development of breast


Abstrak—Special service administration is to provide services specifically or a business that is not directly related to the teaching and learning process in the classroom. But specifically given by the school to the students so that they are more optimal in carrying out the learning process Special service management in schools is basically set and organized to facilitate or facilitate learning, and can meet the special needs of students at school. Special services are held in schools with the aim of facilitating the implementation of teaching in the context of achieving educational goals in schools. Education in schools also includes trying to keep students in good condition. Good here concerning physical and spiritual aspects. Special services provided by schools to students, between schools one with other schools are generally the same, but the management process and utilization are different. Some special services available at school include: Library, Labor, UKS (School of Health Business), School Kafetaria, Facilities of worship, Dormitory, Cooperatives and Transportation. Thus, special service management is a process of providing services to students to support learning activities so that educational goals can be achieved effectively and efficiently.


Numerous researchers have elicited positive relationships between discrete psychotherapies and the mental health of parents of differently abled children, but there exists a significant paucity on integrated therapeutic interventions over their mental health. In this present study the efficacy of an integrated intervention program comprised of Dhyana (non-directive meditation) and Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy (JPMRT) on anxiety and thought control of parents of differently abled children by intellectual has been examined. The study targeted 30 parents of intellectual differently abled children, 15 parents for pre post experiment group and 15 parents for control group. Both groups were assessed before and after intervention by Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ). Intervention program was conducted daily one hour for five days per week for one month. The intervention program was carried only on experimental group. The data was statistically analyzed by paired t-test for the assessment of efficacy of therapy and Ftest for the homogeneity of experimental and control groups. The result reveals that the intervention program consisted of Dhyana (nondirective meditation) and Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation Therapy (JPMRT) was significantly effective on reducing anxiety features and improve thought control of parents of differently abled children by intellectual.


Cognitive architectures are theories of cognition that try to capture the essential representations and mechanisms that underlie cognition. Research in cognitive architectures has gradually moved from a focus on the functional capabilities of architectures to the ability to model the details of human behavior, and, more recently, brain activity. Although there are many different architectures, they share many identical or similar mechanisms, permitting possible future convergence. In judging the quality of a particular cognitive model, it is pertinent to not just judge its fit to the experimental data but also its simplicity and ability to make predictions.


Mice made diabetic with alloxan or streptozotocin received subcutaneous transplants of pancreases, which had been ligated six to eight weeks earlier, from three or four isogeneic donors. The course of diabetes in grafted mice was followed by determinations of glucose levels in blood and urine and changes in body weight. Five weeks after transplantation, blood glucose levels were substantially lower in grafted than in nongrafted mice. Recovery from hyperglycemia, defined as a drop in blood glucose below 150 mg./100 mL, was observed only in grafted mice and was greater in streptozotocin- than in alloxan-treated hosts, Normoglycemia was evident in over two thirds of the streptozotocin-treated animals from five weeks after transplantation to the termination of the study (fourteen weeks). The incidence of recovery in alloxan-treated grafted animals was variable, but nevertheless recovery could be demonstrated in comparison to nongrafted controls. Grafted animals returning to normoglycemia showed simultaneously a net gain in body weight and no glycosuria.


In 2008, a German-funded interdisciplinary research project in Khorezm province, Uzbekistan, initiated a participatory approach to innovation development and diffusion with local stakeholders. Selected agricultural innovations, developed by the project and identified as 'plausible promises', have since then been tested and modified accordingly by teams of researchers, local farmers and water users. This paper discusses the challenges faced in this process of joint experimentation and learning between researchers and local stakeholders whose behaviours, attitudes and actions are heavily shaped by the local context, academic discipline and hierarchical culture of knowledge governance.


Control charts are used for the purpose of detecting assignable causes. It is standard practice to use an $\overline{X}$ chart for detecting assignable causes that shift the process mean, and an R-chart for detecting assignable causes shift in the process variability. The joint use of $\overline{X}$ and R charts has been extensively studied for monitoring processes for searching assignable causes that shifts the process mean and increases variability. In the recent past researchers are working on one chart which serves the purpose of  joint monitoring scheme for controlling process mean and variance simultaneously. Between the various joint monitoring charts, it is important to know which one is better than others. For that a comparison study is required. The main purpose of this work is to compare between three important joint monitoring charts viz.  NCS control chart, Max control chart and MSE control chart and study their efficiency to detect the shift in mean and variance simultaneously.


The CREST Program of "Establishment of core technology for the preservation and regeneration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems (Research supervisor: Isao Koike (Professor Emeritus, The University of Tokyo)) was launched in 2011. In the total, 16 projects were adopted, and many novel technologies for observation and monitoring and prediction models have been developed for the better understanding of biodiversity and ecosystems. On the other hand, some of them are expected to become powerful tools for sustainable use for fisheries resources. Decline of various fisheries resources is one of the major problems for the fisheries industries. As increasing in the demand of fisheries products in the world, even the small pelagic fish resources such as saury mackerel and Pacific common squids off the Pacific coast of the North east Japan have been incorporated in the framework of international fisheries management based on the scientific basis. As a result, importance of monitoring to examine where and how the fisheries resources as well as other marine livings are distributed has been increased. This presentation will show the prospects and expectation for applying the technologies developed in this program to the fisheries fields.


The latency spin bit is an optional feature included in the QUIC
transport protocol [I-D-QUIC]. It enables passive, on-path
observations for estimation of latency. This document presents the
results of an inquiry into the potential of using randomized response
mechanisms (RRM) to reduce privacy loss in latency measurements. It
concludes that RRM could be used to introduce choice for clients in
preserving privacy in latency measurements. But the trade-offs,
especially since the latency spin bit is already optional, do not
favour RRM.


A framework for process planning and NC programming based on STEP and STEP-NC data model is proposed in this paper. The STEP standard and its data structure for CAD models, especially the NURBS based representation of complex surfaces is analyzed. Then the general strategy for process planning using the STEP-NC data structure is presented, and the calculation of cutter contact points and cutter location data for producing complex surfaces based on the geometrical information is addressed. Finally a prototype system is developed for demonstration of the proposed STEP-compliant NC programming approach for complex surface components.


Autism is a life-long pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by deficits in social interaction, language development and communication, abnormal repetitive behaviours and severely restricted interests. Autism has proven difficult to study because of the complexity of its behavioural symptoms, complicated genetics and lack of reliable biomarkers. Progress has been made, however, in the development of animal models that allow investigators to model some of the core symptoms of autism, including deficits in social interactions, aspects of social communication and stereotyped, repetitive behaviours. Specific hypotheses can now be formulated and tested using these animal models. This article describes some of the major behavioural approaches and animal models developed to study neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on autism spectrum disorders.

Key Concepts:

Autism is a complex disorder whose underlying biology is being studied using rodent and nonhuman primate animal models.

Rodents and nonhuman primates are social animals with rich and complex behavioural repertories that make them useful for modelling neurodevelopmental disorders.

Many of the behaviours that reflect core deficits in autism, including social communication, social interaction and stereotypies, can be modelled in rodents and nonhuman primates.

Inbred strains of mice can be used to discover genes important for the expression of complex behaviours and can provide insight into the neurobiology of social interactions and social communication.

Genetic manipulations possible in mice provide a powerful strategy for investigating the genetic substrates of the disorder, including deletions or overexpression of genes thought to be involved in the aetiology of autism.

Animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders, while important and useful, typically only model specific aspects of a disorder rather that recapitulating its full symptomatology.

Keywords:

autism spectrum disorders;
mouse models;
nonhuman primate models;
autoimmunity;
GABA receptors;
fragile X;
Rett syndrome;
social interaction;
stereotypies;
valproic acid


There has been considerable evidence recently demonstrating the anti-tumour effects of flavonols. Quercetin, an ubiquitous bioactive flavonol, inhibits cells proliferation, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in different cancer cell types. The precise molecular mechanism of quercetin-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of quercetin on cell viability and to determine its underlying mechanism in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Quercetin decreased the percentage of viable cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Quercetin did not increase reactive oxygen species generation but increased cytosolic Ca2+ levels and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Quercetin treatment promoted activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Caspase inhibitors prevented the quercetin-induced loss of cell viability. Quercetin increased abundance of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and decreased the levels of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Confocal laser microscope examination indicated that quercetin promoted apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) release from mitochondria and stimulated translocation to the nucleus. Taken together, these findings suggest that quercetin results in human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell death through mitochondrial- and caspase-3-dependent pathways.


A utilitarian approach is used to evaluate the ethics of incorporating unscientific anomalous therapies within health care and related settings. This paper argues that incorporation of anomalous therapy methods into health care systems is highly problematic, and should be avoided on ethical grounds. The ethical responses open to various bodies and individuals are discussed, including legislative bodies, public health care providers, the medical research community, medical providers, individual agents, and international bodies. It is argued that a moral imperative exists to act against the inclusion of anomalous therapy methods in health care systems.


The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report Climate Change 2022: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability gives a stark warning of the urgency to adapt to avoidable and unavoidable climate change impacts and to transition to a more climate-resilient future. Aotearoa New Zealand has made some progress in setting up the institutional and planning frameworks for adaptation, but implementation is slow. Delay will increase the adverse consequences for humans and ecosystems, widen the adaptation gap, and increase the cost and damage burden to current and future generations, and those least able to adjust. Taking proactive actions today to avoid further exposure will enable a fairer and more robust and effective path for adaptation. Here we develop a report card for Aotearoa New Zealand's adaptation effort and recommend what we must do next.


The practices of solid waste management (SWM) and solid waste disposal (SWD) in Kano metropolis, Nigeria, were examined. The water quality of groundwater sources in the areas adjacent to the SWD sites was monitored in order to evaluate interactions and assess the possibility of groundwater contamination as a result of percolation of the leachates generated in the SWD sites. An integrated approach to the field investigation was employed in the study. This included an extensive desk study; a field survey of all existing SWD sites in the area; leachate and groundwater sampling; and laboratory-based experimental and instrumental analyses. The locations of the SWD sites relative to inhabited areas were examined, and eight sites and their environs were selected for leachate and groundwater sampling and quality assessments in May 2009 and May 2010. It was observed that SWM activities in Kano metropolis are unsystematic and pose a significant risk to both public health and environmental quality, especially in relation to local groundwater sources. It was also found that the leachates produced in the sampled sites contained significant concentrations of a wide range of contaminants; including nitrates, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids, chlorides and sulphates. The leachates were also observed to be in the methanogenic phase of biochemical degradation and were shown to have similar characteristics to other leachates from mature SWD sites in different parts of the world. Similarly, the physico-chemical characteristics of the groundwater samples around the selected SWD sites indicated high concentrations of nitrates, chlorides, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, turbidity, iron and manganese, often above the WHO thresholds for acceptable drinking water quality. It is, therefore, concluded that the shallow groundwater sources analysed have been contaminated, due largely to improper SWM practice. This, in turn, affects not only the health and well-being of the local population, but also impedes developmental efforts and obstructs prosperity. Accordingly, some strategies for pollution prevention and control were developed for Kano metropolis, although they are also applicable to other urban areas with similar characteristics. These strategies, which are largely categorised as resource-focused, source-focused or remedial measures, can be achieved through: (1) identification and mapping of pollution sources; (2) establishment of databases and information management system; (3) vulnerability mapping; (4) establishment of functional monitoring and evaluation system; (5) promotion of public awareness and participation; (6) establishment of protection zones; and (7) the integration of pollution prevention and control strategy into urban planning, development and management of municipal services.


This article explores the aspects of employer engagement in higher education (HE). The vocational field of the adventure and outdoor industry provides the context, with associated undergraduate degrees offering contemporary 'real-world' provision, underpinned by values of inclusivity and widening participation – an approach that addresses issues high on the government and HE agendas and of which employer engagement is an integral part. The field also reflects the evolution of modern vocational degree programmes and the tensions that persist between 'traditional' and 'non-traditional' provision alongside changing industry demands. In a constantly changing global, political and social environment, UK universities are under increasing pressure from government to strengthen university–employer cooperation. This article examines key factors that universities, industry and government should consider when advocating real-world learning and the potential of employer engagement, including the powerful influence of the 'student' perspective and demands for a high-quality experience and satisfaction in terms of career preparation.


In his book, "The Richness of Contract Law," Robert Hillman criticizes "highly abstract" or "unifying" contract law theories that, he says, fail to reflect adequately the complexities of existing contract law. In his review, "The Richness of Contract Theory," Randy Barnett takes issue with this claim and identifies the generational dispute between legal "realists," whose approach is shared by Professor Hillman, and legal "theorists" of whom Hillman is critical. Professor Barnett's thesis is that the very purpose of modern legal theories is to simplify a complex reality so as to better understand, cope with, and reform legal doctrine. Barnett then discusses Hillman's recent important empirical research on promissory estoppel. Hillman's findings represent a partial corrective to the previous consensus against a "reliance theory" of promissory estoppel insofar as they establish that reliance is a necessary element of promissory estoppel. However, his data also support the Willistonian conception of promissory estoppel by showing that a promise is also required. Ironically, Hillman is, Barnett claims, insufficiently sensitive to the complexity of the cases he surveys and the need to distinguish "reasonable" or "justified" from "unreasonable" or "unjustified" reliance. A more sophisticated analysis of these cases is provided by Professor Sidney DeLong who also is, not coincidentally, more receptive than Hillman to the richness of modern contract theory. While supporting Hillman's finding concerning the requirement of reliance, DeLong also notices courts frequently distinguishing "performance" from "enforcement" reliance. Enforcement reliance is reliance accompanied by a manifested intention by the promisor to be legally bound, or what Barnett has previously called consent.


Abstract This study comprises the optimization and validation of a new TLC method for determination of flavonols in the bulbs of seven cultivars of onions and shallots. Separation was performed on RP-18 plates with the solvent mixture tetrahydrofuran/water/formic acid (40+60+6, V/V/V) as a mobile phase. The method was evaluated for precision, linearity, LOD, LOQ, accuracy and robustness. Chromatographic analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of three main flavonols, quercetin, quercetin-4′-O-glucoside and quercetin-3,4′-O-diglucoside in the majority of analyzed cultivars. The content of flavonols in the analyzed extracts of onion bulbs varied from 123 ('Exihibition') to 1079 mg kg-1 fresh mass (fm) ('Hybing') in edible parts, and from 1727 ('Hyline') to 28949 mg kg-1 fm ('Red Baron') in outer scales. The bulbs of two shallot cultivars contained 209 ('Ambition') and 523 mg kg-1 fm ('Matador') of flavonols in edible parts and 5426 and 8916 mg kg-1 fm in outer scales, respectively.


Rbfox1 is a splicing regulator that has been associated with various neurological conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, mental retardation, epilepsy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia. We show that in adult rodent retinas, Rbfox1 is expressed in all types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and in certain subsets of amacrine cells (ACs), within the inner nuclear (INL) and ganglion cell (GCL) layers. In the INL, all Rbfox1-positive cells were colocalized with GABAergic ACs, however not all GABAergic ACs were immunostained for Rbfox1. In the GCL, a vast majority of GABAergic dACs were Rbfox1-immunopositive. Furthermore, all cholinergic starburst ACs (SACs) in the INL (type a) and in the GCL (type b) were Rbfox1 positive. The expression of Rbfox1 in the retina significantly overlapped with expression of Rbfox2, another member of Rbfox family of proteins. Rbfox2, in addition to RGCs and ACs, was also expressed in horizontal cells. In developing retinas at E12 and E15, Rbfox1 is localized to the cytoplasm of differentiating RGCs and ACs. Between P0 and P5, Rbfox1 subcellular localization switched from cytoplasmic to predominantly nuclear. Downregulation of Rbfox1 in adult Rbfox1loxP/loxP mice had no detectable effect on retinal gross morphology. However, the visual cliff test revealed marked abnormalities of depth perception of these animals. RNA sequencing of retinal transcriptomes of control and Rbfox1 knockout animals identified a number of Rbfox1-regulated genes that are involved in establishing neuronal circuits and synaptic transmission, including Vamp1, Vamp2, Snap25, Trak2, and Slc1A7, suggesting the role of Rbfox1 in facilitating synaptic communications between ACs and RGCs.


Introduction: Morvan syndrome is a rare autoimmune/paraneoplastic disorder involving antibodies to the voltage-gated potassium channel complex. It is defined by subacute encephalopathy, neuromuscular hyperexcitability, dysautonomia, and sleep disturbance. It may present a diagnostic dilemma when trying to differentiate from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with frontotemporal dementia. Methods: A 76-year-old man with a history of untreated prostate adenocarcinoma was evaluated for subacute cognitive decline, diffuse muscle cramps, and hyponatremia. Results: MRI demonstrated atrophy most prominent in the frontal and temporal regions. Electromyography (EMG) demonstrated diffuse myokymia/neuromyotonia. Polysomnography lacked REM and N3 sleep. Paraneoplastic panel detected antibodies to voltage-gated potassium channel complex (CASPR2 subtype). Conclusions: It is difficult to differentiate between Morvan syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with frontotemporal dementia with examination and neuroimaging alone. There may be a link between Morvan syndrome and prostate adenocarcinoma which could help with screening/diagnosis. The authors found that laboratory and neurophysiological tests are indispensable in diagnosing and treating Morvan syndrome.


Locally advanced inextirpable gastrointestinal cancer has poor prognosis and is associated with high morbidity. One treatment option is to use radiotherapy, often combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation), either as preoperative treatment to facilitate surgery or in the palliative setting to relieve symptoms. The aim of this thesis was to investigate efficacy and toxicity of intensive chemoradiation including conformal radiotherapy and newer chemotherapeutic agents. Oxaliplatin and capecitabine together with 50 Gy radiotherapy was used in a national phase I-II study (CORGI), divided in two parts by tumor location. Among 61 patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer, primary tumor or local recurrence, with or without distant metastases, the objective local response rate was 58% and 79% went to surgical resection (paper I) The main side-effect was diarrhea. 39 patients with pancreatic or biliary tract cancer were included (paper II). The maximum tolerated chemotherapy doses were determined. Dose-limiting toxicity was nausea/vomiting. The local response rate was 21 %. In both CORGI studies there was a high frequency of sustained local control at two years. The most important risk factor for diarrhea during chemoradiation was the volume of small bowel that received >15 Gy (paper III). Enteritis is thought to be mediated by eradication of intestinal crypts. In a mouse model we found that adding oxaliplatin and 5-FU to radiation increased the mucosal damage (paper IV). Thus, chemoradiation is effective and feasible in several types of gastrointestinal cancers. Sparing small bowel from radiation is important. (Less)


. The paper addresses the problem of an optimizing compiler debugging. A new method for compile-time instrumentation is presented as an efficient approach to improve reliability of optimizing transformations implemented in the compiler. The principal feature of the method is that it aims at debugging the transformations itself rather than debugging the tests, and therefore it allows correctness of the resulting code to be verified on any input data fed into the executed program, i.e. the proposed self-checking instrumentation is orthogonal to particular input data in that sense it is able to detect the bugs on arbitrary data flow the program exhibits during its invocation. The method can be applied to a wide set of optimizing transormations. And the cases are known when it reveals faults in transformations while the non-instrumented test itself remains fully functional (and other somewhat similar but more limited instrumentations reveal no bugs, too). Among other its features are the compactness of the embedded dynamic checkers, the linearity of code bloat, and also no assumptions on any standard libraries availability is made (eg. no functions like exit(), abort() etc are used to terminate the program if any checker is triggered). It all ensures that the optimized code is influenced minimally so the original sequence of optimizing transormations implemented in the compiler remains applicable (if compared to non-instrumented code). and identifying volatile bugs in the optimizing compilers of the Elbrus microprocessor family when they were used for building software with asynchronous control flow. Moreover it allowed to increase the reliability of not only the compiler itself but also the software being compiled as well as it shown its use in complex testing of the microprocessor prototypes.


AIM
Obesity is an emerging public health problem, with its incidence on the rise. An abnormal metabolic profile is a risk factor for developing obesity. Dietary factors play a central role in the regulation of inflammation and obesity. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of metabolically healthy obese and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) phenotypes, and their association with dietary inflammatory index (DII) among obese Iranian people.

METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2017 among 300 obese participants in southern Tehran. DII scores were computed based on the overall inflammatory properties of 32 dietary components using dietary intake assessed by food frequency questionnaire. MUO phenotype was defined as having three or more of these metabolic abnormalities: high blood glucose, high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure or abdominal obesity. The association was determined using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS
The MUO phenotype (n = 176) was found in 63.5% of obese participants. Compared with participants in the first quartile, those in the fourth quartile of DII score (more pro-inflammatory diet) had higher odds of MUO phenotype (odds ratio, OR: 2.58 (95% CI: 1.19-5.59), P = 0.04), and there was a significant association between the continuous form of DII score and the odds of MUO phenotype (OR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.01-1.37)) after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS
Higher DII scores were positively associated with the MUO phenotype. A more pro-inflammatory diet is a potential risk factor for MUO phenotype.


Armed drones attacked two oil pumping stations in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, two days after Saudi oil tankers were sabotaged off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. The drone strikes caused damage to one of the stations supplying a pipeline running from its oil-rich Eastern Province to the Yanbu Port on the Red Sea, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih confessed in a statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency. The reality is that the Saudi terrorist regime faces a difficult situation. US President Donald Trump seems to have been unable to rescue Al Saud from the failure of the Yemeni war. On the other hand, the prolongation of the Yemeni war has made Western countries look suspicious about the future and the end of this battle. During the presidency of Barack Obama and the presence of Democrats in the White House, the Yemeni war began. At that time, the Saudi authorities, and at the head of them, the brutal prince of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Salman, thought they would be able to capture Sana'a and Aden and suppress the revolution of the Yemeni people for a very short time (two weeks)! Even the Saudi authorities guaranteed the Obama administration in this regard. It's been more than 4 years since the start of the Yemeni war! The main fear and nightmare of the Saudi crown prince, Mohamed bin Salman, is that Riyadh will have to retreat from this battle without reaching its preset goals in Yemen. This nightmare is being interpreted! Undoubtedly, in the near future, Saudi officials will have to accept a major defeat in Yemen. In this huge and irreparable failure, American officials and European countries like Germany, Britain and France share. The role of these countries in killing innocent Yemeni children is no longer a denial. Yemen drone capabilities turn the tide in the war


Reducing fabric faults in the textile knitting industry is one of the main challenges for knit fabric production. Due to the fabric defects, the sigma level of knit fabric production is between 3 to 3.5. This study aims to increase the sigma level of knit fabric productions. Here, we implement a six sigma strategy in the textile knitting industry. The Six Sigma methodology is applied step by step on the knitting fabric production floor. The DMAIC approach is clearly stated through the phases of defining, measurement, analysis, improvement and control. The types and reasons for different fabric defects are identified by using the cause and effect diagram. The Pareto chart showed that the highest percentages (51%) of defects are related to yarn quality. In the improvement phase, the defects are eliminated by utilizing the Six Sigma methodology. Then, the sigma level of our knit fabric production went to 4. The risk priority number was calculated and suggestions for preventive actions were analysed in the control phase. Implementing the six sigma methodology on the knitting production floor also reduces the cost of production. As a result, this real time study on the knitting production floor has proved to be an economically sustainable production of knit fabric.


III-nitrides have attracted huge interest from commercial market of lighting, power electronics and communica-tions due to their unique optoelectronic properties, while their further enlargement is hampered by the limited crystal quality resulting from current heterogeneous epitaxy techniques. Recently, the exotic properties of layered two-dimensional materials have caught wide attention. The weak van der Waals interaction between the layers of two dimensional materials may help III-nitrides improving the crystal quality by relieving mismatching between lattice and thermal expansion, reducing costs of preparation by reusing expensive substrate, and realizing the fabrication of flexible devices, which will facilitates their gener-alization in wearable and foldable applications. This review present a comprehensive summary on the recent progress in re-gard of the III-nitride synthesis on the two-dimensional materials, including graphene, hexagonal boron nitride and transition metal dichalcogenides. Various attempts and their results are presented. Two important aspects in the preparation of GaN and AlN on two-dimensional materials are presented, which are the nucleation on defects and the lateral overgrowth of the nitride islands. A detailed knowledge on the nucleation and lateral overgrowth mechanism and precise controlling on the density and distribution of defects are indispensable for the ultimate realization of this route. The challenges and opportunities are also discussed.


We review progress in the generation of multiterawatt optical pulses in the 10-fs range. We describe a design, performance, and characterization of a Ti:sapphire laser system based on chirped-pulse amplification, which has produced a peak power in excess of 100 TW with sub-20-fs pulse durations and an average power of 19 W at a 10-Hz repetition rate. We also discuss extension of this system to the petawatt power level and potential applications in the relativistic, ultrahigh intensity regimes.


Coronary artery smooth muscle expresses the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump (PMCA) isoforms PMCA4 and PMCA1. We previously reported the peptide inhibitor caloxin 1b1 that was obtained by using extracellular domain 1 of PMCA4 as the target (Am J Physiol Cell.290 [2006] C1341). To engineer inhibitors with greater affinity and isoform selectivity, we have now created a phage display library of caloxin 1b1‐like peptides. We screened this library by affinity chromatography with PMCA from erythrocyte ghosts that contain mainly PMCA4 to obtain caloxin 1c2. Key properties of caloxin 1c2 are (a) Ki = 2.3 ± 0.3 μM which corresponds to a 20× higher affinity for PMCA4 than that of caloxin 1b1 and (b) it is selective for PMCA4 since it has greater than 10‐fold affinity for PMCA4 than for PMCA1, 2 or 3. It had the following functional effects on coronary artery smooth muscle: (a) it increased basal tone of the de‐endothelialized arteries; the increase being similar at 10, 20 or 50 μM, and (b) it enhanced the increase in the force of contraction at 0.05 but not at 1.6 mM extracellular Ca2+ when Ca2+ extrusion via the Na+–Ca2+ exchanger and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump were inhibited. We conclude that PMCA4 is pivotal to Ca2+ extrusion in coronary artery smooth muscle. We anticipate caloxin 1c2 to aid in understanding the role of PMCA4 in signal transduction and home‐ostasis due to its isoform selectivity and ability to act when added extracellularly.


A large number of biomarkers and indicator organisms have been suggested for the assessment of ecotoxicity of man-made compounds on aquatic environments. The physiological and biochemical indices in fishes are sensitive for detecting potential toxic effects, and also are obvious from the same reports that studies on the impact of pollutants on the physiological and biochemical status of aquatic organisms. In an attempt to define and measure the effect of pollutants on an ecosystem, biomarkers have attracted a lot of interest. The underlying principle of the biomarker approach is the analysis of an organism's physiological or biochemical response to pollutant exposure. The measurement of biochemical and physiological parameters is a diagnostic tool commonly used in aquatic toxicology and bio-monitoring, so Hematological and immunological parameters are suitable biomarkers in mercury studies. During stress, fish respond in a number of ways in order to regain homeostasis and two important physiological processes which are modulated when fish are exposed to stress, are hormonal status and immune function. In this paper, our previous research's on effects of different pollutants (heavy metals, pesticides, nano particles, organic pollutants and etc.) on many fish species (marine and freshwater) was studied to detect new biomarkers (enzymatic, hormonal, immunological, hematological, histopathological and etc.) for water quality monitoring. In this study we examined markers of hematology, enzyme, hormone and histopathology in different fishes. The aim of this study was to test a multi-trial biomarker approach for evaluating toxicological risk due to the major toxicant in the water, using fishes as bio-indicator organism. The main objectives of this researches were: to identify the tissues and biological materials useful for biomarker studies; to evaluate various biochemical biomarkers in different tissues; to identify the most suitable biomarkers for evaluating chemical stress due to the contaminants explored in this study.


Four new members of peptaibol antibiotics, designated as chrysospermins A, B, C, and D, were isolated from the mycelium of Apiocrea chrysosperma Ap101 by solvent extraction, silica gel chromatography and preparative recycling HPLC. Their structures as new nonadecapeptides were settled by detailed spectroscopic analysis and chemical degradation experiments. The chrysospermins display antibacterial and antifungal activity, and induce pigment formation by the fungus Phoma destructiva.


Serum aminogram changes were prospectively studied in 95 patients with enteric fistula and intraabdominal infection who was under total parenteral nutrition (TPN) therapy with Anfuming 14s. In patients with sepsis and starvation, the aminogram showed remarkably low total free amino acids before TPN therapy. In 81 survivors, free amino acids increased gradually to normal in 2 weeks after use of TPN and in 14 dead cases increased rapidly to a significantly higher peak at terminal stage. Both in survivors and nonsurvivors, phenylalanine level remained high during the study. In response to infection, proline was also elevated but to a lesser degree; the ratio of branched chain amino acid (BCAA) to aromatic amino acid (AAA) was lower than normal and the decrease of arginine was parallel to the severity of infection. We conclude that the ideal amino acids preparation for the starvated and septic patients should be high in BCAA and arginine but low in phenylalanine, administration of inappropriate exogenous amino acids in decompensated metabolic septic patients may bring about more harm than benefit, and in septic patients that the levels of serum phenylalanine and proline are elevated persistently along with the decrease of arginine level is a useful prognostic indication.


PURPOSE
To develop a decision forest for prediction of laser refractive surgery outcome.

METHODS
Data from consecutive cases of patients who underwent LASIK or photorefractive surgeries during a 12-year period in a single center were assembled into a single dataset. Training of machine-learning classifiers and testing were performed with a statistical classifier algorithm. The decision forest was created by feature vectors extracted from 17,592 cases and 38 clinical parameters for each patient. A 10-fold cross-validation procedure was applied to estimate the predictive value of the decision forest when applied to new patients.

RESULTS
Analysis included patients younger than 40 years who were not treated for monovision. Efficacy of 0.7 or greater and 0.8 or greater was achieved in 16,198 (92.0%) and 14,945 (84.9%) eyes, respectively. Efficacy of less than 0.4 and less than 0.5 was achieved in 322 (1.8%) and 506 (2.9%) eyes, respectively. Patients in the low efficacy group (< 0.4) had statistically significant differences compared with the high efficacy group (≥ 0.8), yet were clinically similar (mean differences between groups of 0.7 years, of 0.43 mm in pupil size, of 0.11 D in cylinder, of 0.22 logMAR in preoperative CDVA, of 0.11 mm in optical zone size, of 1.03 D in actual sphere treatment, and of 0.64 D in actual cylinder treatment). The preoperative subjective CDVA had the highest gain (most important to the model). Correlations analysis revealed significantly decreased efficacy with increased age (r = -0.67, P < .001), central corneal thickness (r = -0.40, P < .001), mean keratometry (r = -0.33, P < .001), and preoperative CDVA (r = -0.47, P < .001). Efficacy increased with pupil size (r = 0.20, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS
This model could support clinical decision making and may lead to better individual risk assessment. Expanding the role of machine learning in analyzing big data from refractive surgeries may be of interest. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(9):592-597.].


Data on the water quality of streams draining a range of acidic and acid sensitive, mainly afforested, upland catchments in mid- and north-Wales and northern-England are described to investigate the acidification effects of conifer harvesting in relation to natural variability. Most sites show a large range in pH and major cation and major anion concentrations. The waters draining from the smaller catchments are more acidic and aluminium bearing reflecting a higher proportion of runoff from the acidic soils in each area. However, there is often a less acidic component of runoff under base-flow conditions due to ground-water contributions particularly within the larger streams. Higher concentrations of nitrate occur for sites which have been felled although declines in concentration occur several years after felling. Multiple regression analysis reveals the importance of cation exchange and within catchment acidification associated with sulphate and nitrate generation. Sulphate also has a component associated with weathering but the patterns vary from catchment to catchment. Analysis of the influence of changing anion concentrations associated with tree harvesting reveals that the acidification induced by increases in nitrate can be offset or reversed by the lowering of chloride and sulphate concentrations due to decreased atmospheric scavenging by the vegetation, reduced evapotranspiration and increased surface runoff diluting the acidity generated. It is concluded that contemporary UK forestry guidelines with an emphasis on phased harvesting of catchments over several years and careful harvesting methodologies can alleviate most problems of stream acidification associated with felling activities and in some cases can reverse the acidification pattern.


The Advantages of electronics equipment requires the increased efficiency and technology to reduce the use of electrical energy. The electrical equipment in residential energy consumption is the dominant burden on electricity supply service. Audio Amplifier is a widely used household appliance in general based on the linear transformer. A Linear transformer has much deficiency such as dimensions of equipment and the use of technology control systems which less of good and large voltage drop. Because of that, the design of Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS) model would be a replacement linear transformer. In this research, we will compare the performance of Linear Trafo with SMPS specification +/- 35VDC - 350W. By making modifications to SMPS on the transformer windings which could be seen as the significant comparison to the use of equipment.


IMPORTANCE
Limited research has elucidated factors predicting occupational therapy-specific service utilization by children with autism. Such research is needed to inform reasons for receipt of services.

OBJECTIVE
To examine factors associated with occupational therapy service utilization by children with autism. We hypothesized that elevated sensory hyperresponsiveness; greater sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking; and lower adaptive behavior would predict more service utilization.

DESIGN
Analysis of extant data from a prospective, longitudinal survey study about autism symptom severity, adaptive behavior, sensory features, and demographic and service utilization information of children with autism ages 3 to 13 yr.

SETTING
Online parent survey regarding child behaviors during daily activities and contexts.

PARTICIPANTS
892 parents of children with autism from 50 U.S. states.

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
We used scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-Second Edition, the Social Responsiveness Scale, and the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire Version 3.0 and responses to a demographic questionnaire. We formulated hypotheses after data collection but before analysis.

RESULTS
Predictors of higher occupational therapy service utilization were lower enhanced perception; lower adaptive behavior; elevated sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behaviors; younger child age; and higher household income.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
Results partially support our hypotheses. Sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behavior predicted occupational therapy service utilization, whereas other sensory response patterns did not, suggesting a possible referral bias for certain sensory response patterns. Occupational therapy practitioners can educate parents and teachers about the scope of practice, which includes addressing sensory features beyond sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behaviors. What This Article Adds: Children with autism who have impairments in adaptive functioning and high levels of sensory interests, repetitions, and seeking behaviors receive more occupational therapy services. Occupational therapy practitioners should be well trained to address such concerns and advocate for the profession's role in mitigating the impact of sensory features on daily life.


Higher education institutions are keen to assess their performance. It is important for them to evaluate their outcomes to promote their future performance. The aim of this research was to determine the level of preparation of the faculty of business at Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta for accreditation based on the prism aspects. This study used questionnaires for data collection with a Likert scale split by the prism assessment levels of satisfaction, strategy, process, capability, and contribution, and then grouped into the criteria of high, medium and low levels according to the provisions of OMAX. The results showed that the faculty of business reached less than 100% in all the prism aspects. This was interpreted as inefficiency. The highest achievement was 99.18% in the contribution aspect and the lowest was 84.28% in the capability aspect. It was concluded that the faculty of business of Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta must be even more active in increasing their performance to prepare for accreditation.
Keywords: accreditation, faculty of business performance, OMAX, prism models


As software systems get more complex, the companies developing them consist of larger teams and therefore results in more complex communication artifacts. As these software systems grow, so does the impact of every action to the product. To prevent software failure created by this growth and complexity, companies need to find more efficient and effective ways to communicate. The method used in this paper presents developer communication in the form of social networks of which have properties that can be used to detect software failures.


Evolution of kochia biotypes resistant to multiple herbicide sites of action is an increasing concern for growers across the U.S. Great Plains. This necessitates the development of integrated strategies for kochia control in this region based on improved forecasting of periodicity and patterns of kochia emergence in the field. Field experiments were conducted near Huntley, MT, in 2013 and 2014, and in Manhattan and Hays, KS, in 2013 to characterize the timing and pattern of emergence of several kochia populations collected from the U.S. Great Plains' states. The more rapid accumulation of growing degree days (GDD) resulted in a shorter emergence duration (E90-E10) in 2014 compared with 2013 in Montana. Kochia populations exhibited an extended emergence period (early April through mid-July). Among all kochia populations, in 2013, Kansas-Garden City (KS-GC), Kansas-Manhattan (KS-MN), Oklahoma (OK), and Montana (MT) populations began to emerge earlier, with a minimum of 151 cumulative GDD to achieve 10% cumulative emergence (E10 values) in Montana. The New Mexico-Los Lunas (NM-LL) population exhibited a delayed onset but a rapid emergence rate, while the North Dakota (ND) and Kansas-Colby (KS-CB) populations emerged over a longer duration (E90-E10 of 556 and 547 GDD, respectively) in 2013 in Montana. In 2013 at the two locations in Kansas, kochia populations exhibited a similar emergence pattern, with no differences in the time to initiate germination (E10), rate of emergence (parameter b), or duration of emergence (E90-E10). At Hays, KS, the GDD for E50 and E90 were less for ND compared with KS-MN and KS-GC local populations. In 2014 the KS-MN kochia population exhibited an early (ED10 value of 215 GDD) but a more gradual emergence pattern (E90-E10 = 526 GDD) in Montana. In contrast, OK and New Mexico-Las Cruces (NM-LC) populations had an early and a more rapid emergence pattern (E90-E10 = 153 and 154 GDD, respectively). Kochia in Montana exhibited two to four emergence peaks. This differential emergence pattern of kochia populations reflects the occurrence of different emergence "biotypes" and emphasizes the need to adopt more location-specific and diversified weed control tactics to manage kochia seedbanks. Nomenclature: Kochia, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.


An experimental study was conducted in order to establish the thermal and fluid design criteria for a new steam reforming device, and a proposal was submitted to employ a flow laden with droplets (water and methanol mixture solution) directly impinging on a heated plate in the new reforming device. Experiments have been conducted by controlling spray impingement on a heated plate covered with a porous plate made by sintered metal. The new configuration of the reforming device is able to enhance the evaporation of liquid by using a low-level heat source held at lower than 600K. Droplets atomized by a spray nozzle instantaneously evaporate on the heating surface without bouncing, since the sintered metal surface provides a higher Leidenfrost temperature due to surface roughness. The characteristics of spray flow and evaporation efficiency have been measured by Phase Doppler Anemometer which permits local measurements of size and velocity of liquid droplets, size distribution and mass flux of droplet. Results have confirmed that superheated gas was directly generated from the spray liquid with high efficiency, and the locations of heating plates and spray nozzle were optimized. Finally the rate of evaporation was enhanced by pre-heating the liquid before atomization.


The interaction of nuclear juice proteins and cytoplasm isolated from hepatocytes at different steps of the cell cycle with DNA was studied by chromatography of labelled proteins on columns with DNA and by fixation of the [3H]DNA -- protein complexes on nitrocellulose filters. It was demonstrated that the nuclear juice contains proteins, which specifically interact with homologous native DNA.


Anomalous X‐ray Pulsars (AXPs) belong to a class of neutron stars believed to harbor the strongest magnetic fields in the universe, as indicated by their energetic bursts and their rapid spindowns. We have developed a theoretical model that takes into account processes in the atmospheres and magnetospheres of ultramagnetic neutron stars, as well as the effects of their strong gravitational fields on the observable properties. Using this model, we have analyzed the X‐ray spectra of a number of AXPs. We find that in all cases, the X‐ray spectra are described very well with this emission model. The spectroscopically measured magnetic field strengths of these sources are in close agreement with the values inferred from their spindown properties and provide independent evidence for their magnetar nature. The analysis of spectral data using this physical model also sheds light on the long‐term evolution of AXPs.


Mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in a broad range of human diseases, including rare genetic disorders and complex acquired pathologies. For this reason, there is increasing interest in identifying safe and effective strategies to mitigate mitochondrial impairments. Natural compounds are widely used for multiple indications, and their broad healing properties suggest that several may improve mitochondrial function. This review focuses on (-)-epicatechin, a monomeric flavanol, and its effects on mitochondria. The review summarizes the available data on the effects of acute and chronic (-)-epicatechin supplementation on mitochondrial function, outlines the potential mechanisms involved in mitochondrial biogenesis induced by (-)-epicatechin supplementation and discusses some future therapeutic applications.


Dispersed Flow Film Boiling is the heat transfer regime that occurs at high void fractions in a heated channel. The way this heat transfer mode is modelled in the NRC computer codes (RELAP5 and TRAC) and the validity of the assumptions and empirical correlations used is discussed. An extensive review of the theoretical and experimental work related with heat transfer to highly dispersed mixtures reveals the basic deficiencies of these models: the investigation refers mostly to the typical conditions of low rate bottom reflooding, since the simulation of this physical situation by the computer codes has often showed poor results. The alternative models that are available in the literature are reviewed, and their merits and limits are highlighted. The modifications that could improve the physics of the models implemented in the codes are identified.


This report presents the results of an investigation conducted in the NACA 7 by 10-foot wind tunnel of control surfaces equipped with tabs for reducing the control forces or trimming the aircraft. Two sizes of ordinary ailerons with several sizes of attached and inset tabs were tested on a Clark y wing. Tabs were also tested in combination with auxiliary balances of the horn and paddle types, and with a frise balance aileron. A tail-surface model of symmetrical section, equipped with tabs, was tested with 40 percent of the area movable (elevator) when used as a horizontal tail and 60 percent of the area movable (rudder) when used as a vertical tail. The half-span tail-surface model was tested with and without a reflection plane. The results of the tests indicated that inset tabs were superior to attached tabs for the same ratio of tab/control surface deflection.


The electricity supply industry is highly capital-intensive, whose success depends critically upon the management of its investment. In most developing countries investment is poorly managed, poorly maintained, and often inadequate. Inadequate regulation or political control lead to low prices that undermine the finance of investment and give poor incentives for management and operation. The paper argues that regulation must be carefully designed to provide efficient incentives and adequate guarantees to sustain investment and operations and only then will privatisation improve performance and benefit consumers. The paper discusses the evidence for these claims, the circumstances required for full unbundling and liberalisation to be successful, and those where the Single Buyer Model or continued, ideally reformed, state ownership, may be preferable, at least until conditions improve.


Based on a mix of conceptual insights and findings from cases, this paper discusses three ways in which the effectiveness of regulation in the areas of competition, data and consumer protection can be improved by tailoring substantive protections and enforcement mechanisms to the extent of market power held by firms. First, it is analysed how market power can be integrated into the substantive scope of protection of data protection and consumer law, drawing inspiration from competition law's special responsibility for dominant firms. Second, it is illustrated how more asymmetric and smarter enforcement of existing data protection rules against firms possessing market power can strengthen the protection of data subjects and stimulate competition based on lessons from priority-setting and cooperation by consumer authorities. Third, it is explored how competition law's special responsibility for dominant firms can be further strengthened in analogy with the principle of accountability in data protection law. Similarly, it is discussed how positive duties to ensure fair outcomes for consumers are developed in consumer law. The analysis offers lessons for improving the ability of the three regimes to protect consumers by imposing greater responsibility on firms with greater market power and thus posing greater risks for consumer harm.


Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to review good practice examples which promote recruitment and retention of older workers and/or the employability of workers as they age and to examine pathways of practice. Design/methodology/approach - Analysis of qualitative data, drawing on a cross-section selection of 83 good practice case studies in labour organisations in eight European countries: Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the UK. Findings - The study presented good practice examples and pathways of practice for the four most frequently found dimensions in the sample (training, lifelong learning and knowledge transfer; flexible working; health protection and promotion and job design; career development and mobility management) as well as examples from small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (construction) and the public sector (transport) adopting strategies that fall within these dimensions. These examples show that innovative solutions to the challenge of an ageing workforce have been developed with good outcomes, often combining a number of measures, e.g. mobility management, health promotion and knowledge transfer. However, there is an uneven profile of age management debates and company strategies across Europe (with countries such as Germany and the Netherlands being more advanced). There is also some evidence of a standstill or roll-back of measures during an economic crisis. Originality/value - The paper reviews organisational measures facilitating the extension of working lives, of which many are longstanding and include sectors previously underrepresented in good practice databases (SMEs, public sector).


The truncated southwestern edge of the Roberts Mountains allochthon is exposed in the Northern Ritter Range pendant in the eastern Sierra Nevada, structurally overlying parautochthonous rocks of the Cordilleran miogeocline. The Northern Ritter Range pendant exposes units that have the same stratigraphic affinities and structural relationships as rocks of the Antler orogenic belt in Nevada.

Paleozoic metasedimentary rocks exposed in the pendant consist of two major units: (1) a structurally complex, disrupted chert and argillite unit interpreted to be correlative with the Roberts Mountains allochthon; and (2) a stratigraphically coherent siliceous and calcareous unit, the Rush Creek sequence, that is interpreted to be part of a transitional outer shelf and slope assemblage of the lower Paleozoic Cordilleran miogeocline. In the Northern Ritter Range pendant, the Roberts Mountains allochthon structurally overlies the Rush Creek sequence along a north-striking, steeply dipping fault zone that may be a preserved remnant of the Roberts Mountains thrust, which in north-central Nevada emplaced the allochthon over outer shelf and slope strata of the Cordilleran miogeocline during the Late Devonian–Early Mississippian Antler orogeny.

These stratigraphic and structural belts are truncated on the southwest side of the pendant by the Gem Lake shear zone, a northwest-trending dextral strike-slip fault associated with the Cretaceous Sierra Nevada batholith. The Northern Ritter Range pendant thus defines both the southwestern limit of the Antler orogenic belt and the westernmost exposures of parautochthonous miogeoclinal rocks in the central Cordillera.


Traditional herbal medicines include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products that contains as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials, or combinations. Clinical trials of traditional herbal medicines are carried out with herbal preparations only after standardization and identification of markers to ensure that the substances being evaluated are always the same. It is very important to assess the direct and indirect risks associated with traditional herbal medicines. This can only be established once safety and efficacy of herbal medicines are being proven during clinical trials. There are various concerns over the clinical trial designs in India. It has been observed that during clinical trials various problems are being observed such as Batch to batch variation, use of placebo instead of innovative product, in adequate quality control system, inadequate requirement for the assessment of safety and efficacy for different types of herbal medicines and difficulty in quantification due to complex nature of extract. This review focuses on the current status of clinical trials of traditional herbal medicines in India and an attempt has also been made to review the problems encountered during conduction of clinical trials and suggestions and recommendations are also provided to ensure that the clinical trials can be conducted with safety and efficacy.


Sigma receptors are protein chaperones with the unexpected characteristic of being activated by ligand binding. As such, they represent intriguing new targets for potential drug development. As a protein chaperone, these "receptors" escort proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to their destinations and act to correct misfolded proteins. The two subtypes of sigma receptors, named σ1 and σ2, are markedly distinct from each other. Agonists and antagonists at these receptors show promise as new drug targets, addressing a range of diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiac disorders, and may also be analgesic agents and rehabilitation drugs for opioid use disorder. As an analgesic, sigma receptors seem to be more effective in treating neuropathic than nociceptive pain. New bifunctional compounds are being developed with opioids, because agents targeting sigma receptors may have an opioid-sparing effect. The pipeline of agents based on the sigma receptors is long and may treat things from Fragile X syndrome to Parkinson's disease to Huntington's disease to cancer. A novel agent ADV502 acts as a high-affinity σ1 antagonist and partial agonist at the µ-opioid receptor and may be an important agent both for the treatment of neuropathic cancer pain and for rehabilitation of opioid use disorder. Since there has been little recent innovation in pain medicine regarding new compounds and drug targets, drugs that affect the sigma receptor system seem promising and encouraging.


The (relative) grain boundary energy of random high angle boundaries has been measured in several Fe-based polycrystals. Crystallographic data obtained by orientation contrast microscopy (OIM) are combined with the geometrical configuration of grain boundaries at triple junctions. A two-parameter representation of the relative grain boundary energy in terms of misorientation angle and misorientation axis is presented. In the applied procedure a variation of the energy values assigned to one boundary was observed depending on the triangulation path chosen by the operator to connect the arbitrary initial boundary with the boundary under consideration. Results show no evidence of correspondence between the observed energy cusps and the presence of CSL boundaries.


When the liquid in a tank undergoes sudden movement, as in the case of a fuel tank in an aircraft or in a marine vessel, it may be subjected to as many as 6 degrees of freedom. Three of these are in rotation; yaw, pitch and roll, and three in translation; sway, surge, and heave. Work is currently being conducted on simulating the effects of the liquid motion under roll conditions in a rectangular tank of dimensions 1.9 x 0.94 x 1.2 m located on a 6 degree of freedom simulator capable of mimicking the movements typical of an aircrafts performance. At present, water is being used to investigate the fluid motion when subjected to oscillating roll frequency of 0.35 Hz and oscillation amplitudes of 2.42, 3.50, and 4.71 for different liquid depths. It has been found that under such motions, typical of those obtained within the flight envelope of military, private and commercial aircraft, a dynamic hydraulic jump can occur. This jump is out of phase with the roll motion and is produced as the fluid abruptly changes direction within the tank. As the tank reaches its lowest rotational position in the roll manoeuvre the fluid level at this point of the tank increases rapidly against the end wall causing splashing, resulting in bubble formation and a fine spray. This change in direction increases the fluid depth and this has to move against the residual oncoming fluid that is at a much lower depth, resulting in a very dynamic, moving, wave that breaks and forms into a hydraulic jump comprised of air and liquid mixing. This preliminary investigation into the characterization of this phenomenon using water shows that the spatial characteristics of the hydraulic jump and the dynamic range of the resultant spray are affected by the amplitude of the tank oscillation.


Objective Cervical cancer diagnosed in relation to a pregnancy is rare; however, the current trend to have children later in life increases the risk of pregnancy and cervical cancer coinciding. We investigated the mortality of women diagnosed with cervical cancer during or in relation to a pregnancy. Materials and Methods From the nationwide Danish Cancer Registry, we identified women diagnosed with a primary cervical cancer at ages 15 to 44 years during 1968 to 2006 born after April 1, 1935. The women were linked to several Danish national registries to obtain information on births and abortions. In addition, linkage was made to the Cause of Death Register. Overall and cause-specific hazards ratios (HRs) were assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for age, calendar year, and extent of disease. Results A total of 6135 cervical cancers were identified. Among these, 126 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer during pregnancy, 1856 were diagnosed with cervical cancer 0 to 4 years after a pregnancy, and 4153 were diagnosed with cervical cancer more than 30 days before or 5 years or more after a pregnancy or had no known pregnancies. The latter group was used as reference. The adjusted HR for death due to cervical cancer was 1.77 (95% confidence interval, 1.21–2.60) among women diagnosed with cervical cancer during pregnancy compared with that in the reference group, while the corresponding HR among women with cervical cancer 0 to 4 years after pregnancy was 0.96 (95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.10) compared with that in the reference group. Conclusions Our results suggest an increased mortality for women diagnosed with cervical cancer during pregnancy, but not among those diagnosed shortly after pregnancy. This finding should be explored further in larger populations.


Purpose: To analyze the etiology and outcomes of ocular trauma. Study design: Cross sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Eye Department Lahore General Hospital, Lahore from 1st January 2016 to 28th February 2017.
Material and Method: A total of 180 patients hospitalized with ocular trauma were included in the study. Study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Lahore General Hospital Lahore from 1st January 2016 to 28th February 2017 and data was collected through pre-designed proforma. The data collected composed of age, sex, etiology, pre-treatment and post-treatment visual acuity. Patients were stratified in 3 groups A, B and C with respect to pre-treatment visual acuity.
Results: A total of 180 patients with ocular trauma were included in the study. In group A 124 (68.8%) patients had pre-treatment visual acuity PL +ve to 6/60. After treatment

In group B 43 (23.8%) patients had pre-treatment visual acuity between 6/36-6/12 out of which 12 (27.9%) patients had vision improved to 6/12, 20 (46.5%) patients had

vision gain to 6/24 and 11 (25.5%) patients gained 6/36 vision. In group C 13 (7.2%) patients had pre-treatment visual acuity 6/9-6/6 out of which vision of 2 (15.3%) patients improved to 6/6 and 11 (84.6%) patients gained to 6/9 vision.
Conclusion: Metallic foreign body and road traffic accident were the most common cause of ocular trauma and improvement in post treatment vision was directly proportional to the severity of pretreatment visual loss.
Key worlds: Trauma, Foreign Body, Vision, Etiology, Road traffic accident, Metallic.


Background and Objectives: Weak subgroups of A antigen in A or AB blood group can be differentiated by various immunohematological investigations. These weak phenotypes mainly result from weaker expression of an alternate weak allele present at the ABO loci. Weak subgroups of A antigen either reacts weakly with anti-A antisera such as A3, Ax, and Aendor do not react at all such as Am, Ay, and Ael. In this study, we characterized and differentiated the broad and weak subgroups of A in ABO blood group system through various immunohematological investigations. Methods: The prospective study included 67,954 healthy blood donors. Initial blood grouping and antibody screening of all donor samples were performed using an automated solid-phase assay. Samples showing blood group discrepancy or weaker agglutination were subjected to battery of serological investigation including saliva hemagglutination inhibition test and adsorption-elution procedures. Results: Among 16,034 A group donors, A1were 13,276 (82.8%), A22750 (17.15%), and weak subgroups were 8 (0.05%). Among AB group, A1B donors were 5621 (84.93%), A2B 996 (15.05%), and weak subgroups of AB were 1 (0.015%). The unexpected naturally occurring anti-A1antibodies (1.9%) were of IgM type optimally reactive at 4°C with titer ranging from 1 to 8. Red cells' agglutination with anti-A and anti-AB varied from Wk + to 2+ with or without mixed field agglutination in A3, Ax, and Aendphenotypes. While saliva study revealed specific substances, adsorption-elution demonstrated "A" antigen specificity in different strengths in Am, Ay, and AmB phenotypes. Conclusion: The subgroups of A and AB are attributed to a reduced number of A antigen sites on the red cells. We conclude that differentiating weak subgroups of "A" by serological assays is possible to a great extend with technical expertise; however, molecular genotyping is essential because it confirms the result.


Research on offense specialization has concluded that there is a great deal of versatility in offending. Although the preponderance of evidence supports versatility, some research points to a small but significant tendency to specialize. Beyond this observation there is little consensus over the degree of offense specialization, the similarities and differences between people who commit violent acts and those who engage in other criminal behavior, or the extent to which general causal processes are sufficient to explain variation in diverse forms of crime and delinquency. At the heart of the confusion is the fact that criminal behaviors across a wide spectrum are positively correlated with one another. In our opinion, the conclusion that general offending trumps offense specialization is the result of research designs that predetermined such a conclusion. We propose an alternative method, marginal logit modeling, that supports many desirable features suited to the investigation of offense specialization. We analyze nine self-reported delinquent behaviors (with a tenth category representing "No Offense") from the Add Health study. We show that violent offenders are more likely to engage in additional violent offenses, nonviolent offenders are more likely to engage in additional nonviolent offenses. For some offense types, we find no evidence of a tendency to commit both violent and nonviolent offending. For others, the offense generalization effect is weak compared to the offense specialization effect.


s 16th World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine s l l lem of RTCs in both countries have been hindered by lack of relevant data and apparent paucity of funds. There is still no standardized method for data collection in both countries, though more measures have been put in place in Ghana. Data sources are fragmented. There is need for documentation in both countries for legislation of laws. Research into this area should be encouraged by the governments of both countries.


Conventional security risk assessment approaches for cloud infrastructures do not explicitly consider risk with respect to specific threats. This is a challenge for a cloud provider because it may apply the same risk assessment approach in assessing the risk of all of its clients. In practice, the threats faced by each client may vary depending on their security requirements. The cloud provider may also apply generic mitigation strategies that are not guaranteed to be effective in thwarting specific threats for different clients. This paper proposes a threat-specific risk assessment framework which evaluates the risk with respect to specific threats by considering only those threats that are relevant to a particular cloud client. The risk assessment process is divided into three phases which have inter-related activities arranged in a spiral. Application of the framework to a cloud deployment case study shows that considering risk with respect to specific threats leads to a more accurate quantification of security risk. Although our framework is motivated by risk assessment challenges in the cloud it can be applied in any network environment.


The objective of this paper is to provide a picture of the characteristics of Albanian entrepreneurs and their enterprises in the Republic of Macedonia. According to State Statistical Office of the Republic of Macedonia (2005), based on the data from the last census of population, households and dwellings in 2002, the Republic of Macedonia had 2,022,547 inhabitants of whom Albanians were 509,083 (25.2%). Since Albanians represent the greatest minority in the Republic of Macedonia, we were interested to analyse businesses that are operated and managed by them. We conducted empirical research during the period April-June 2013 of 89 businesses, owned by Albanians in the Republic of Macedonia. We analysed the motives for starting and managing one's own business, problems of these businesses, success factors, forms of organisation, sources of financing, ethics and social responsibility of Albanian entrepreneurs, e-commerce challenges and characteristics, etc.


Olive leaves contain oleuropein, a substance known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiinflammatory potentials, amongst others. The objective of this work was to study the extraction of oleuropein using a hydroalcoholic solvent. Olive leaves (OL) were macerated at 25 °C with a solvent (S) consisting of a mixture of ethanol and water (70:30 v/v), with OL:S mass ratios equal to 1:8, 1:6 and 1:3, with or without the presence of acetic acid. The highest oleuropein content found in the freeze dried extract (approximately 18 g/100 g) was obtained from the procedure using an OL:S ratio = 1: 3, in the presence of acetic acid. Finally, a test was carried out to verify the effect of the freeze dried extract on the induction time in samples of extra-virgin and refined olive oil, and increases of 3 and 2 hours, respectively, were observed. It was concluded that it is possible to obtain olive leaf extracts using renewable solvents, and that oleuropein can act as a natural antioxidant in olive oil, improving its oxidative stability.


Resolving workforce conflict and turnover issues have being a great concern. Even a greater challenge is to know how this conflict takes place. Organizations working to overcome gender inequality find it even more difficult to cope up with this situation when conflict arises in the Women Workforce. This study aims to explore the reason for Women Workforce conflict and turnover, and particularly explore the role of culture and environment. We proposed a theoretical framework explaining this phenomenon. We hypothesized that various factors such as Psychological work factors, lack of Diversity, incivility, Discriminatory HR planning, no identity separation, and Gender inequality negatively affect both work both culture and environment. And this would ultimately lead to women workforce turnover and conflicts. We establish its empirical validity by conducting a survey using a close-ended questionnaire. Data was collected from 314 individuals and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structured equation modeling. The results showed that Diversity and Identity Separation have a positive whereas Gender Inequality, and Discriminatory HR Planning have a negative significant effect on the Work Environment. Moreover, the work environment in turn positively affects Women Workforce Turnover and Workforce Conflict. Psychosocial work Factors also positively affect work culture, which subsequently affects both and Women Workforce Turnover, and Conflict. Hence work environment, and culture both play an effective mediatory role in-between these factors and Women Workforce Turnover, and Conflict. Findings imply that Culture and work environment should have been considered in a professional and well-directed manner.


A unique sequence of 120 almost identical plasmas in the Joint European Torus (JET) recently provided two orders of magnitude more statistically equivalent data than ever previously available. The purpose was to study movement of eroded plasma-facing material from JET's new Beryllium wall, but it has allowed the statistical detection of otherwise unobservable phenomenon. This includes a sequence of resonant-like waiting times between edge-localised plasma instabilities (ELMs), instabilities that must be mitigated or avoided in large magnetically confined plasmas such as those planned for ITER. Here, we investigate the cause of this phenomenon, using the unprecedented quantity of data to produce a detailed picture of the plasma's behaviour. After combining the data, oscillations are clearly observable in the plasma's vertical position, in edge losses of ions, and in Beryllium II (527 nm) light emissions. The oscillations are unexpected, are not obvious in data from a single pulse alone, and are all clearly correlated with each other. They are likely to be caused by a small vertical oscillation that the plasma control system is not reacting to prevent, but a more complex explanation is possible. The clearly observable but unexpected link between small changes in the plasma's position and changes to edge-plasma transport and stability suggest that these characteristics cannot always be studied in isolation. It also suggests new opportunities for ELM mitigation and control that may exist.


Background: Previous experimental studies have repeatedly demonstrated the potential protective effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on colon anastomosis. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the possible positive effects of IPC by interval insufflations in laparoscopic colon operations. Methods: Thirty Wistar-albino rats were randomized into 3 groups. Colonic transsection and anastomosis were performed in the control group. In the laparoscopic colon operation without IPC group, the intra-abdominal pressure was raised to 14 mm Hg for 60 minutes, and then laparotomy and colonic anastomosis were performed. In the IPC group, the intra-abdominal pressure was raised to 14 mm Hg for 5 minutes, followed by desufflation. Laparotomy and colonic anastomosis were performed exactly as in the non-IPC group. On the seventh postoperative day, all animals were killed, and blood and tissue samples were obtained. Anastomotic healing and inflammatory responses were determined by histopathologic examination and by measuring the anastomotic bursting pressure, tissue hydroxyproline level, and tissue and serum nitric oxide, malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase activity levels. Differences with P-values of <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Although the best anastomotic healing was detected in the control group, anastomotic healing was better in the IPC group than that in the non-IPC group. In terms of anastomotic bursting pressure, plasma MDA, serum catalase activity, and tissue nitric oxide levels, the IPC group was superior to the non-IPC group. No significant differences were found between the control and IPC groups, except in the plasma MDA levels. Conclusions: Use of IPC with colon anastomosis had positive effects on wound healing and may serve as a safe method to reduce the adverse effects of ischemia and wound healing in laparoscopic colon operations.


In this study, peroxidase-mimicking core–shell Au@Pt nanoparticles (Au@Pt NPs) were synthesized, and both Hg2+ and Ag+ were found to intensively inhibit the catalytic activity of the Au@Pt NPs. The interactions between the two metal ions and Au@Pt NPs were analyzed through characterization by TEM, DLS, EPR and XPS, etc. Based on the inhibition of both Hg2+ and Ag+ toward the catalytic activity of the Au@Pt NPs and the shielding of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) toward interfering metal ions, a highly sensitive and selective colorimetric assay for Hg2+ and Ag+ was developed. In addition, L-cysteine can be used to mask Hg2+ in the presence of Ag+; therefore, a specific detection of Ag+ ions can be accomplished by this Au@Pt NP-based assay. The limits of detection (LODs) for Hg2+ and Ag+ are 3.5 nM and 2.0 nM, respectively. The linear ranges for detecting Hg2+ and Ag+ are from 10 nM to 200 nM and from 5.0 nM to 100 nM, respectively. Moreover, the colorimetric assay is highly selective toward Hg2+ and Ag+ over other common metal ions. This work demonstrates that the optimization of metal nanoparticle preparation and surface modification play very important roles in developing metal ion sensing based on metal NP enzyme mimics. In addition, the metallic nanozyme based colorimetric method here demonstrates advantages in practical applications as it is low-cost, simple, and highly sensitive and selective, although it needs a two-step reaction.


The purpose of the research is to analyze about conjunctions as a part of syntax in writing an English narrative composition. Syntax is the study of the rules that govern the ways in which words combine to form phrases , clauses and sentences . Syntax is one of the major components of grammar . Noam Chomsky (2007) stated , " Syntax is the study of the principles and processes by which sentences are constructed in particular languages. Syntactic investigation of a given language has as its goal the construction of a grammar that can be viewed as a device of some sorts for producing the sentences of the language under analysis ". Conjunctions are also part of Syntax discussed in this paper . There are also parts of speech. There are eight parts of speech such as verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections. A conjunction connects words, phrases or clauses. Writing is related to composition and there 4 kinds of composition, they are: argumentation, description, exposition and narration. Data was taken from 20 learners' English narrative compositions. They were taken by asking the learners to make an English narrative composition. After taking the data then classifying, analyzing and correcting were done. There were some kinds of syntax were found in the learners' English narrative compositions, they are: 5 items of subordinate conjunctions, 3 items of coordinate conjunctions and 2 item of conjunctive adverbs. Keywords: Syntax, Conjunctions, Writing Narrative Composition


The objective of this paper is to demonstrate 1) how adding storage capacity to a network can mitigate the variability of wind generation and increase the system benefits, and 2) how the stochastic characteristics of the wind generation affect the system benefits of storage capacity. Two types of storage are considered. One represents utility-scale storage that is collocated at the wind sites, and the other represents an identical amount of deferrable demand located at load centers. The simulation is based on a multi-period, stochastic, Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow (SCOPF) and a reduction of the NPCC network. The results demonstrate that storage capacity can dispatch more wind, mitigate the ramping costs associated with wind variability, and reduce the amount of reserve capacity needed. Deferrable demand can further enhance the system operation, by flattening the typical daily pattern of load, reducing the peak system load and reducing the amount of installed capacity needed on the supply side.


ABSTRACT The inheritance of resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal agent of black leg of crucifers, was studied in Brassica juncea. Three resistant accessions (UM3021, UM3043, and UM3323) and one susceptible accession (UM3132) of B. juncea were crossed in a complete diallel. Parents, F(1), and F(2) progenies were evaluated for all crosses using both cotyledon and stem inoculation. Cotyledon reaction was evaluated with two isolates of L. maculans, but stem reaction was evaluated with one isolate. Disease reactions observed for individual plants were the same for both inoculation methods and for both isolates of the pathogen for cotyledon reaction. No segregation was observed for the crosses between resistant accessions (UM3043 x UM3323 and UM3021 x UM3323), but a few susceptible plants were observed in the F(2) progeny of crosses between resistant parents (UM3021 x UM3043). This was probably due to heterozygosity in some parental plants of UM3021. For crosses be tween the susceptible parent and resistant parents, F(1) plants for two crosses were all resistant. For cross UM3132 x UM3021, some susceptible plants occurred, which was also suggestive of heterozygosity in UM3021. Although resistance in F(1) was dominant, for F(2) populations, segregation fit either 13:3, 3:1, or 1:3 ratios, indicating that resistance can be either adominant or recessive trait. F(3) families derived from some susceptible F(2) plants from crosses UM3021 x UM3132 and UM3043 x UM3132 were evaluated using the cotyledon inoculation method only. Segregation of F(2) plants and F(3) families in crosses involving resistant and susceptible parents indicated that the resistance to L. maculans in B. juncea is controlled by two nuclear genes with dominant recessive epistatic gene action.


Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report a three-study effort that aimed to explicate the brand entification construct, a post-anthropomorphic attribution that results from user-brand interaction on Twitter. Entified brands are not merely humanlike, they are viewed as human celebrities with an elevated social status.

Design/methodology/approach
A testable conceptual framework, hypotheses and measurement scales for explicating the brand entification construct are derived from focus groups. The framework is tested using two separate surveys; the first surveyed college going, Millennial users of Twitter, the second surveyed a nationwide sample of Twitter using Millennials.

Findings
The fear of being ignored (FOBI) emerges as the key antecedent of brand entification. Elevation in healthy narcissism emerges as its key consequence. Twitter users experiencing elevated narcissism are found to defend entified brands when they receive negative tweets from other users.

Research limitations/implications
All constructs and measurement scales reported in the data are new, the evidence of linkages between the antecedents and consequences of brand entification are similarly unprecedented; both reflect the theoretical contributions of the study. Further testing of scales, and replication of results using multiple samples of Twitter users are essential before formalized theory and widely generalizable findings emerge.

Practical implications
Shaping Twitter-users' sense of healthy narcissism emerges as the key challenge for managers aiming to build brands via Twitter communication. Stimulating users' FOBI emerges as a key entry-way in this process.

Originality/value
The paper reports the first empirical investigation of the brand entification construct in the context of Twitter-using Millennials.


Several optimal allocation methods based on the modified computation structure model are proposed. These methods are general, and they achieve optimal processing power allocation in most cases. It is assumed that the underlying computer system has a finite number of processors, all the processors have the same speed and that they communicate with each other through a shared memory. The basic ideas behind these methods are to allocate more processing power to operations having higher time costs and containing more parallel paths. In this way, operations with lower time costs are forced to wait for operations with higher time costs. The time cost can be minimized if all the operations performed in parallel are completed at the same time. It is shown how a computation achieves its minimum time costs while minimizing the required overall processing power.<<ETX>>